“California’s Gray Wolf Population Grows: A Conservation Success Story with Challenges Ahead”
Wildlife officials in Northern California have recently collared a dozen gray wolves in an effort to better understand and manage the species that has made a remarkable comeback in the state after being extirpated a century ago. This collaring effort has resulted in a record number of satellite-collared wolves in California, with a total of 16 now being monitored, allowing for enhanced monitoring of the growing wolf population.
The resurgence of the endangered apex predator is being hailed as a conservation success story, but it also comes with challenges, including an increase in attacks on cattle and other livestock. Axel Hunnicutt, the statewide gray wolf coordinator for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, expressed excitement about the new data that will be collected through the collaring effort, which will help inform livestock producers and support more in-depth research on the species.
The collaring operation took place last month in Siskiyou, Lassen, and Sierra counties, with aerial and ground teams working together to capture wolves from packs that already had at least one collared individual. The wolves were located using radio frequencies emitted by the collars, and then captured using nets or darts from a contracted helicopter team. Once captured, the wolves were taken to a base camp where they were fitted with satellite collars and underwent a series of measurements and sample collections before being released back into the wild.
Of the wolves captured, five were from the Beyem Seyo pack in Sierra County, five were from the Harvey pack in Lassen County, and two were from the Whaleback pack in Siskiyou County. The number of captures exceeded expectations, with four adults and the rest being younger wolves. This is significant as younger wolves eventually disperse and attempt to form new packs, providing valuable information on their movements and survival rates.
The collars deployed on these wolves will allow state scientists to track the wolf population in California, which was estimated to be at least 70 individuals in the fall of last year, up from 44 in 2023. The collaring of younger wolves is particularly important as it will provide insights into their dispersal patterns and the formation of new packs in the future.
Currently, there are seven known wolf packs in California, with recent reports indicating that two packs have merged. The recolonization of gray wolves in California began in 2011 when a wolf from Oregon crossed state lines, and the first verified pack was established in 2015. The population has been steadily increasing in recent years and is expected to continue growing exponentially.
Conservationists view the comeback of wolves in California as a testament to the protections afforded to them under state and federal law. The recent collaring effort is seen as a crucial step in monitoring the wolf population and informing the public about this magnificent species. The tracking data collected from the collared wolves will also provide valuable information to ranchers to help reduce conflicts between wolves and livestock.
The collaring effort is part of a larger research initiative conducted in partnership with UC Berkeley, known as the California Wolf Project. This multi-year project aims to fill knowledge gaps and guide management strategies for the wolf population in the state. Additionally, recent reports have indicated that the southernmost wolf pack in Tulare County is suffering from sarcoptic mange, a disease that can have severe effects on the wolves’ health and survival.
Overall, the collaring of gray wolves in Northern California represents a significant step forward in understanding and managing the growing wolf population in the state. By collecting valuable data on wolf movements, dispersal patterns, and interactions with livestock, wildlife officials hope to ensure the long-term conservation of this iconic species in California.